Ruben Amorim has been fired by Manchester United after the Red Devils dropped points against Leeds United this weekend, and he appeared to take aim at those above him.
"Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United," an official statement reads. "Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
"The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future."
Amorim was told earlier this morning that his services were no longer required. The former Sporting CP boss has been in charge for 14 months.
Part-owner Jim Ratcliffe said last year he wanted to give him three years to turn things around. With Manchester United trailing Liverpool this season, though, the decision has been made to switch things up.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on December 12, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
After drawing 1-1 with Leeds, Amorim made clear that he considered himself the "manager" and not the "head coach", which is a role with less power. "I'm not going to quit," he said. "I will do my job until another guy is coming here to replace me."
Former midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has held the position of U18s coach, is set to take temporary charge. A permanent successor to Amorim might take some time to sort out with no immediately obvious candidates.
As things stand, Manchester United is sixth in the Premier League standings. It is three points behind Liverpool.
This change means that Amorim follows Enzo Maresca in leaving one of the clubs chasing down the Reds. The Spaniard left Chelsea on New Year's Day.
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Arne Slot had come under pressure in some quarters earlier in the season but the Liverpool boss has seen the club's form turn around. Results have been better in recent weeks, though there is still work to be done.
"I think if you are not a part of Liverpool and you don't follow us every game then you think you win it," Slot said after Liverpool's draw at Fulham.
"But unfortunately, I am experiencing this for months now that the first chance the other team gets and the only chance they got in the first half led to a goal.
"That's one thing we usually see with us. The second thing we see a lot is that that the other team scores a goal you don't expect in extra time, so this is then a surprise."